5 biggest mistakes pool table buyers make.
1 - They allow themselves to be persuaded by salespeople.
Sales people will tell you anything you want to hear. Sales are down more than almost anytime in history. Consult with an independent installer or check credible reviews on pool tables. Lifetime warranties no longer mean anything as manufacturers are finding themselves in Bankruptcy or shutting down factories. Do not make a decision based on a salespersons perspective of "lifetime warranty".
2 - They buy a table that is not suited for their use.
Consideration must be put into your level of experience and desire to play on a higher level or if the table is only a furniture piece, there is a big difference in styles and cost. It pays to learn the different types and what you will use it for.
2 - They buy a table too quick and are impatient.
Customers can be very emotional about this purchase. A fast buy because they feel they can't miss this deal will normally increase your odds of getting a really bad deal. Today there are several tables for sale in your area and tomorrow they will be replaced by several more. Wait until the right table at the right price comes along.
3 - They don't know the value of the table they are buying.
Many tables during the past 5-10 years were sold EXTREMELY expensive, the recent re-finance boom had filled everyone's wallets and game rooms with cash! Stores knew this and took advantage, tables they sold for over 4 thousand dollars are selling for less than 2 thousand and stores are begging customers to take them now. It is not important what someone paid for the table, average table values are now between 800 and 1200 dollars on the used market for a REALLY nice table.
Read all about values, quality and buying methods in this ebook
4 - They buy all of the uneccessary upgrades which are worthless after the sale.
The table covers, high end wall racks, upgraded ball sets, hand chalk, tournament (Simonis) felt, Teflon coated billiard felt and other cool items are not anything that the normal pool table buyer will ever need. Teflon, spill proof felt is especially a waste of cash and the cost is about the same to the dealer, don't drink on the pool table. If you are a professional pool player you should get the Simonis cloth, if not just get the standard and save over a hundred bucks. If you bought the undercoating for your new car these deals may be for you. If you care about your fincances you should avoid them.
5 - They look on Craigslist or other "free" classifieds to find a mover and don't check their credentials!
Trusting a company to move a pool table and come into your home who can't afford advertising for their business is asking for a trouble! The
American Billiard Installers Association (ABIA) estimates that between 75% - 90% of all pool table movers in the united states don't carry insurance that could protect you and are not even legal businesses. Make sure your movers are at a minimum members or better yet, certified with the
ABIA. Also check the website, many installers say they are certified but are really not. The ABIA does extensive checks on billiard companies for you.
